engleski

The effect of organic agriculture on biodiversity conservation

Biodiversity refers to all species of plants, animals and micro-organisms existing and interacting within an ecosystem. It is threatened by human activities: land use, degradation, pollution and human population growth. It is established by many authors that agriculture plays a significant role in protecting and enhancing biodiversity when it is applied in sustainable manner. Due to its ecological, climatic and geomorphological conditions, Croatia, regarding biodiversity, is one of the richest countries in Europe. The great diversity of habitats, lowland, mountain, groundwater, coastal and marine areas, resulted in an extraordinary diversity of species and subspecies. Current known number of taxa is 38 268 of which 2, 84% are endemic species. The framework of the Croatian protection and conservation of biodiversity are protected areas classified into nine categories, covering total of 742 790 ha. There are many evidence that confirm diversity decline, such as loss of genotypes and their near extinction, lower number of differnet crops applied in production and also intensive use of few domesticated animals. Over the next 50 years it is expected that the number of global population achives around 9, 7 bilion. This will result in greater need for more agriculture production, which will undoubtedly increase nitrogen and phophorus inputs. The relationship between the conservation of biodiversity and natural regeneration of soils, resulting in a favorable impact on human health is noticed by J. I. Rodale in the late 30s of 20th century in rural Pennsylvania, USA. Biodiversity is an integral component of organic farming, confirmed also as one of the four principles established by IFOAM. Through its principles it promotes and increases biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of resources out of agriculture and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony. Croatia is one of the few European countries where organic agriculture is still underdeveloped. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the number of producers and the area under organic agriculture is increasing, current area under organic farming in total agriculture (2015.) is 4.94%. To ensure effective results in halting loss of biodiversity, political priority is also needed. European Commission recognizes this problem and implements EU Biodiversity Strategy 2020, with emphasises that the preservation of biodiversity is a collective challenge that should be addressed with the commitment and participation of numerous interested parties. Organic farming seeks to apply the concept of multifunctionality in working and living space, including preservation of biodiversity, introduction of autochthonous species and breeds, care for animals, but also repopulation of rural area, and increasing social and economic standards of living.

biodiversity, organic agriculture, environment, Croatia

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